RELOCATION EXPENSES TEST PROGRAMS

• Citation: 41 CFR Part 302-18
• Sections: 5

§ 302-18.1 Authorization of relocation expenses test programs.

(a) Test programs permit agencies to test new and innovative methods of reimbursing relocation expenses without seeking a waiver of current rules or authorizing legislation.

(b) The Administrator of General Services (Administrator) may authorize an agency to conduct a test program when the Administrator determines such tests to be in the interest of the Government. No more than 12 relocation expenses test programs may be conducted at the same time. When authorized by the Administrator, the agency may pay any necessary relocation expenses in lieu of payments authorized or required under 5 U.S.C. chapter 57, subchapter II.

§ 302-18.2 Applying for test program authority.

The head of the agency or designee must design the test program to enhance cost savings or other efficiencies to the Government and submit in writing to the Administrator of General Services via the Office of Government-wide Policy at [email protected]:

(a) An explanation of the test program;

(b) If applicable, the specific provisions of this subtitle from which the agency is deviating;

(c) An analysis of the expected costs and benefits; and

(d) A set of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program.

§ 302-18.3 Factors GSA will consider in approving a request for a relocation expenses test program.

The following factors will be considered:

(a) Potential savings to the Government.

(b) Application of results to other agencies.

(c) Feasibility of successful implementation.

(d) Number of tests, if any, already authorized to the same activity.

(e) Whether the request meets the requirements of § 302-18.2.

(f) Other agency requests under consideration at the time of submission.

(g) Whether the proposed test is duplicative of any existing test programs.

§ 302-18.4 Duration of test programs and requesting an extension.

(a) The duration of a test program is up to four years from the date of authorization unless terminated prior to that time by the Administrator. The agency conducting a test program may also terminate the test program at any time by providing written notice of the termination to the Administrator.

(b) The Administrator may grant test program extensions of up to an additional four years. To request an extension, the head of the agency or designee must submit a request to extend the test program to the Administrator of General Services via the Office of Government-wide Policy at [email protected], not later than 120 days prior to the expiration of the test period. The request for extension must contain the test program results to that date and clearly enumerate the benefits, qualitatively or quantitatively or both, of granting a test program extension and must specify the duration of time for which an extension is requested.

§ 302-18.5 Required reports for a test program.

(a) The Administrator must submit a copy of any test program approved or extended to Congress at least 30 days before the effective date of the authorized test program.

(b) The agency authorized to conduct the test program must submit the following reports:

(1) An annual report on the progress of the test, submitted to the Administrator via the Office of Government-wide Policy at [email protected]. The Administrator or designee may terminate the test program approval for failure to comply with these reporting requirements; and

(2) A final report on the results of the test program must be submitted to the Administrator via the Office of Government-wide Policy at [email protected], and to the appropriate committees of Congress within 3 months after completion of the program.

(c) All reports must include quantitative or qualitative assessments, or both, clearly evaluating the results of the test program and enumerating benefits and costs.